The 2011 Ducati-Monster 796 is an exciting addition to the line-up that combines the user-friendliness of the 2011 Ducati-Monster 796 with the sports character of the 1100. Delivering 87hp (64kW), a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb) and optional ABS, the stylish new Monster 796 returns the magic of mid-range to the Monster family.
With the new Desmodue 796 engine at the heart of the machine, a single-sided swingarm and revised
ergonomics, the Monster 796 perfectly balances lifestyle performance with everyday functionality to
enhance the original Monster spirit.

Monster spec

Ducati continued to listen to its passionate Monster owners and used their valuable feed-back in the design of the 2011 Ducati-Monster 796. The riding position was revised by reducing the 1100’s seat height by a full 10mm (0.4in) to 800mm (31.5in) and the combination of redesigning the seat shape and raising the handlebars by 20mm (0.8in) has improved posture and increased comfort. Combined with a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb), thanks to its new lightweight engine, and the option of being equipped with ABS, the new naked inspires confidence to make life simpler in the city.

Suspension up front is now handled by user-friendly 43mm Marzocchi forks, while the sporty Ducati singlesided rear swingarm is controlled by a single rear Sachs unit with adjustable spring preload and return damping for passenger load optimisation.

Twin 320mm semi-floating discs are gripped by radially mounted 4-piston Brembo callipers to provide powerful and progressive front-end braking with rider-friendly ‘feeling’, while the rear is equipped with a 245mm disc and 2-piston calliper, also by Brembo. The Monster 796 offers the added option of ABS to further underline the model’s focus on ease of use and everyday security.
The 17” wheels are in the five ‘Y-shape’ spoked style and produced in lightweight aluminium to keep the unsprung weight low and handling, braking and acceleration performances high. To differentiate the 796, the wheels sport a stylish pin-stripe for 60° of the circumference of the rim which creates a full circle of red when in motion. They roll on the same 180/55 rear and 120/70 Pirelli Diablo Rosso tyres enjoyed on the 1100.

Desmodue engine

The new 796 Desmodue power unit uses fully redesigned crankcases to save an incredible 1.2kg (2.64lb) over the original 696 castings, and are responsible for the major part of the impressive 1.9kg (4.2lb) total saving over the original 696 power unit. The clutch and alternator outer casings of the new engine are finished in carbon grey.

The crankshaft is designed with a lightweight 848-type flywheel and uses a 66mm stroke instead of the
696’s 57.2mm, helping to maximise power to an impressive 87hp (64kW) @ 8250rpm and torque to 58lb-ft (78Nm) @ 6250rpm, while maintaining the smooth and enjoyable character, famous of all Desmodromic LTwins. An oil cooler is fitted to protect power delivery by maintaining optimum efficiency.

The 803cc swept volume is compressed to a ratio of 11:1 – compared to the 696’s 10.7:1 – then injected and ignited by Siemens controlled electronics. The 2-1-2 catalytic exhaust system uses twin lambda probes and regulating valve to provide finer fuel mapping and Euro 3 conformity. The system’s lightweight and compact design is achieved by using 1mm thick tubing and terminates in the Monster’s signature twin lateral mufflers, stylishly updated with the latest style of heat guards.

An APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilising of the rear-end under
aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic. The oil-bath clutch represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry’ system as well as having a quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.

The Monster 796 has enhanced comfort and control with 20mm higher bar-risers gripping sturdy tapered section aluminium handlebars. Integral type Brembo master cylinders are used for both the clutch and brake systems and maintain a clean handlebar arrangement for the rider. They are fitted with user-friendly, 4-point adjustable levers that provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes and the APTC clutch offers a super-light lever action ideal for use in the city.

796 colours and style

The Monster 796 comes in traditional Ducati red, arctic white silk or diamond black silk with all three
colours against a red Trellis frame and black wheels, which feature a new red flash around 60° of the rim side, creating a red stripe at speed. Further aesthetic enhancements come from the footrest hangers finished in matte black to match the rear sub-frame and single-sided swingarm, the Ducati logo on the front mudguard and the Tricolore displayed proudly on the single-seat cover and fuel tank.

The Monster 796

can be further personalised from a choice of ten additional colour schemes available within the
innovative Monster Art program. The Monster 796 is fitted with the micro-bikini fairing and single seat cover as standard and features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching.

2011 Ducati Monster 796 Technical Details

ENGINE

796 Desmodue

The 796 engine is a completely brand new, lightweight Desmodue power unit designed to provide the torquey, smooth and enjoyable character famous of all Desmodromic L-Twins.

APTC clutch

The APTC ‘wet’ clutch gives a ‘slipper’ type action that prevents destabilizing of the rear-end under aggressive down-shifting and also gives the extra benefit of a super-light feel at the lever, a great benefit in stop-start city traffic or during longer journeys. The 21-plate oil-bath clutch (11 friction and 10 steel) represents a power-enhancing weight reduction over the ‘dry’ system as well as having a quieter operation and requiring less maintenance.

Lightweight crankcases

The new crankcases hug the gearbox internals much closer to create a smaller and more compact outer profile and achieve considerable weight savings over previous cases.

Desmodromics

The incredible valve performances of our engines are only possible because of Ducati's unique Desmodromic system, where valve closure is activated mechanically. At high rpm it would be almost impossible for the valve to follow the steep closure profile of the cam lobe if it were relying upon a normal valve spring. With the Desmo system, the valve is closed mechanically with the same accuracy as it is opened, enabling steep cam profiles and radical cam timings. This system is used on every single Ducati power unit including our world-beating Superbike and Desmosedici MotoGP engines.

Power & torque curves

The Monster 796 produces 84hp (64kW)@ 8250rpm of power and a torque to 58lb-ft (78Nm) @ 6250rpm.

Exhaust system

Providing a deep and rich exhaust tone within current noise and emissions regulations is no mean feat, but the Monster definitely provides the L-Twin sound famous of Ducati. Its bold, high-level twin mufflers also make a striking style statement.
The exhaust system on Monster 796 has one Lambda probe dedicated to each cylinder, enabling precise fuelling for a smoother power delivery as well as complying with current emission regulations.

CHASSIS

Lightweight construction

Every carefully selected component of the Monster 696 has a net benefit to the overall light weight of the machine. The dry weight of 161kgs (355lb) has dramatic effects on not just manoeuvrability and ease of use, but also by contributing directly to increased performance, braking and acceleration.

The swingarm is chill-cast using aluminium in its most noble form. Gravity cast and heat treated, the component achieves the best mechanical characteristics as well as reduced final weight for improved handling.

Sachs rear suspension

At the rear, a Sachs monoshock unit with progressive linkage provide a wide spectrum of both spring and damping settings.

Lightweight 5-spoke wheels

The extremely lightweight aluminium alloy Y-shaped, 5-spoke wheels reduce unsprung weight and improve agility. The 3.50x17 front wheel is fitted with a 120/70ZR tyre while the rear 5.50x17 wheel has a 180/55ZR. The result is lightweight, precise steering that is extremely responsive at all speeds while giving the vehicle exceptional stability.

Seat height

The riding position of the Monster 796 has been specifically designed to put you firmly in control. The seat height is only 800 mm (31.5in), making it easier for get both feet firmly planted on the ground.

Ergonomics

The Monster 796 features a new seat designed with a comfort-enhancing shape, further accentuated with stylish red stitching.
Furthermore, the rear sub-frame has been constructed ready to accept the new accessory grab-handles designed not only to provide a confidence-inspiring grip for the passenger, but also to blend into the natural line of the rear-end.

Brembo brakes

The latest in Brembo braking hardware delivers exceptional braking power front and rear to improve rider safety. At the front, 320mm floating discs are gripped by four-piston, radially mounted callipers, while a 245mm floating rear disc works in combination with a twin-piston calliper.

This powerful braking set-up offers unrivalled feel and feedback making the 796 safer across a broader spectrum of riding abilities

Monster Trellis

An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminium rear sub-frame is the visual and structural backbone of the Monster. Delivering unparalleled rigidity with minimal mass, the chassis design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity. A separate, all aluminium sub-frame saves weight and adds a pleasing continuity with the aluminium footrest hangers and matte finished swingarm.

Integral type Brembo master cylinders are used for both the clutch and brake systems and maintain a clean handlebar arrangement for the rider. They are fitted with user-friendly 4-point adjustable levers that provide easy-to-reach control for all hand sizes and the APTC clutch offers a super-light lever action ideal for use in the city.

Headlight

The triple-parabola headlight on the Monster utilises the latest optical technology and advanced construction techniques to provide an incredibly compact lighting package. In spite of its compact size, the headlight throws a broad and deep beam to provide excellent visibility and make night riding safer. Viewed from the side, its discrete silhouette mimics the radical shape of the fuel tank.

DDA ready

The instrument display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. The bike has been built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of special DDA software and a memory key that slots into a plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy new battery charger available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

Stopwatch

The digital display is programmed with a stopwatch function that, when enabled, can be triggered by using the high-beam flash button and each recorded time stored in a memory. After your journey or track session, the times or lap times can be recalled from the memory and scrolled through by using the instrumentation buttons on the left-hand switchgear.

LED taillight

A LED rear light unit satisfies the minimalist, weight-saving design ethos found throughout the Monster 796. The specially designed strip of LEDs are enhanced by a special diffuser lens to deliver outstanding light clarity and incredible longevity.

Monster Style

Refined and sophisticated, the Monster 796 is proud to show its unmistakable style as the ‘Italian ambassador' in the world of motorcycling.

The large diameter tube construction flows into the cast aluminium rear sub-frame which matches the matte black rear swingarm and footrest hangers.

The 17" wheels in the five ‘Y-shape' mount a stylish pin-stripe for 60° of the circumference of the rim which creates a full circle of red when in motion.

The bright white illuminated display, the stylish red stitching of the new seat, the italian flag and the new Ducati logo on the front mudguard complete the clean and minimalist style of this new urban icon.

CONCEPT

Urban Icon

The Monster family introduces the 796, an exciting addition to the line-up that combines the user-friendliness of the 696 with the sports character of the 1100. Delivering 87hp (64kW), a dry weight of just 167kg (368lb) and optional ABS, the stylish new Monster 796 returns the magic of mid-range to the Monster family.

With the brand new Desmodue 796 engine at the heart of the machine, a single-sided swingarm and revised ergonomics, the Monster 796 perfectly balances lifestyle performance with everyday functionality to enhance the original Monster spirit.

Dressed in Ducati red, arctic white silk or diamond black silk with a bright red Trellis frame, the Monster 796 can be further personalised with an additional 10 colour schemes available in ‘Logomania' the innovative Monster Art program.

The Monster 796 opens a new road to the world of Ducati Monster and becomes the ‘urban icon' of hand-built Italian naked motorcycles.

Less is Monster

The 'less-is-more' philosophy behind all Monsters underlines Ducati's never-ending pursuit of genuinely compact, high performance motorcycles, but these new models have succeeded in being even more 'pared down' than their predecessors. Every single component has been redesigned and redeveloped so now more than ever, form follows function. With any details detracting from the Monster concept being eliminated, 'less-is-more' also means 'less-is-Monster'. Less weight plus more torque equals fun-filled riding.

Monster ART

‘Logomania’ is the second collection of the innovative Monster Art project and a stunning tribute to famous Ducati logos and colour schemes that span more than 50 years of authentic brand heritage.

Changing the colour and character of any model in the current Monster line-up in just 10 minutes, is the genius of the Monster Art program and a feature that passionately supports the Monster culture of customisation.

Consisting of tank panels, micro-bikini fairing, single-seat cover and front mudguard, the kits have now become a modern canvas in the world of motorcycle art and a unique method of Monster personalisation.

Monster Story

In 1992 Ducati unveiled a new prototype that was to become an icon. Ducati’s creation awed the crowds and the world’s media of that year’s Cologne International Motorcycle show. The 900 Monster was a motorcycle that created a truly new niche – dramatically styled, minimalist in stature yet bristling with innovative engineering solutions. The Monster’s radical styling has also provided the inspiration for an entire after-market sector specialising in hot-rod parts for this legendary machine. For this reason, rarely do you see two Monsters the same. This radical and refreshing design departure also influenced other manufacturers but, as the old adage states: imitation is the highest form of flattery… The Monster is characterised by a long and successful history, by its introduction during the years of numerous cylinders and uncountable colour options, but above all by a constant technological evolution that this year brings us to the birth of two new versions: the Monster 696 and the Monster 1100, representative of a new era of Monster.

Monster ABS

The 2011 Monster family now offers all models with optional anti-lock braking system (ABS).
The ABS developed by Ducati and offered as an option on the entire Monster family is the most
sophisticated version available in motorcycling. Designed to reduce the risk of wheel-lock under heavy
braking or when braking in low grip conditions, the system reads wheel speed data from phonic wheel
sensors to detect potential wheel lock. If the wheel speed differential falls below a specific safety limit, the control unit immediately reduces the brake system pressure to the appropriate calliper to avoid wheel lock.

The pressure reduction on each individual braking circuit is activated by electronically controlled valves, which then close as the wheel speed differential moves away from a locking scenario.

Monster frame

An immensely strong but light tubular steel Trellis frame with aluminium rear sub-frame is the visual and
structural backbone of all the Monsters. Delivering unparalleled rigidity with minimal mass, the frame
design is pure Ducati in its ingenuity and simplicity and also enables a very useful 64 degrees of lock-to-lock steering travel. The brand new lightweight aluminium sub-frame maintains visual continuity with the aluminium footrest hangers and swingarm, and is designed to accept a passenger-friendly grab-rail kit available from Ducati Performance. The kit further enhances passenger ride comfort without compromising the Monster’s stylish lines.

Monster instrumentation

Looking clean and minimalist in true Monster style, the brightly illuminated display provides all essential
data by default, and even more by scrolling with the left-hand switchgear. Data includes speed, revs, time, scheduled maintenance, oil temperature and battery voltage, while warning lights illuminate for oil pressure, fuel reserve, turn indicators, high beam and neutral selection. In addition, the instruments present a reserve fuel trip, immobiliser status and automatic light-off function after 60 seconds with the key on as well as a memory to store lap times recorded by using the high-beam flash button as a stopwatch.

The display also doubles as a control panel for the activation of the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) system, which is available as an accessory from Ducati Performance. All Monsters are built ‘system-ready’ for the data acquisition kit, which consists of a special DDA software and memory key that slots into USB style plug under the seat. The same plug also doubles as the connection for a handy ‘battery maintainer’ available as an accessory from Ducati Performance.

With an impressive exhibition presence of approximately 400m2, stand D-040 in hall 8 of Cologne's INTERMOT 2010 show now plays host to exciting new arrivals in the Superbike family in addition to new colours and updates for both the Streetfighter and Monster range. With new models, accessories and apparel, the Italian motorcycle manufacturer from Bologna is showing a wide range of new 2011 products at this major international show.

"We decided to consolidate our presence here in Cologne because we believe in the importance of this exhibition event, which opens the European motor show season," stated Gabriele Del Torchio, President of Ducati Motor Holding, during the opening press conference. "Our presence at the show is proof of our commitment to customers in Germany and northern Europe, and underlines our aim to expand in Germany, which is the second most important market in Europe for Ducati. For this reason we decided to preview here some of the new products scheduled for 2011, such as the new additions to the Superbike family with the 848EVO and 1198 SP, and new liveries for the Monster and Streetfighter models."

Gabriele Del Torchio also commented on the results of the first eight months of 2010: "Despite a shrinking global motorcycle market, we have used Ducati's product policy and the quality of its distribution network to improve both our market share, now at 8.5%, and also to increase our sales by 5% compared to this period 2009."

A huge attendance is expected at the German show and visitors to the Ducati stand are sure to admire the innovative and ground-breaking Multistrada 1200, which made an immediate impact on the market upon debut in March 2010. The current model will not undergo any changes for 2011, confirming its proven design and high standard of quality. INTERMOT is also the first European event to celebrate the Multistrada's victory at the "Pike's Peak International Hillclimb", the famous annual race held high in the Colorado mountains, where riders have to quickly adapt to changing road surfaces. The Multistrada on which American, Greg Tracy, took victory has been specially flown in to Cologne from the US so that fans can share in this major celebration and see further proof of the Multistrada 1200's incredible versatility.

Important additions to the Ducati Superbike family are on show in an exclusive preview of the 2011 range, including the new 848EVO which boasts 140hp and is equipped with Brembo Monobloc callipers and steering damper. The performance-enhanced model celebrates the INTERMOT show by revealing a stunning new "arctic white" livery with sporty red wheels and red frame.

The standard 1198 is also ready to satisfy an ever more demanding market, with the addition of Ducati Traction Control (DTC), the Ducati Data Analyser (DDA) and the brand new Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) fitted as standard equipment on all versions. For 2011, the improved 1198 is joined by the exciting new 1198 SP, which enhances the previous 'S' version by rolling out equipped with DTC, DQS, DDA, Ohlins TTX rear suspension, slipper clutch and aluminium fuel tank in addition to the usual Ohlins front suspension, forged Marchesini wheels and lightweight carbon fibre components.

The 2011 Streetfighter S looks impressive in its new colour schemes of red with red frame or diamond black with racing black frame, both with black wheels. A black radiator cover on all versions completes the Streetfighter's aesthetic updates.

Enhanced comfort and safety, in addition to new colour schemes, headline the main updates to Ducati's naked icon, the Monster. The entry level 696 gets new 43mm Marzocchi forks and enhanced ergonomics, including 20mm higher handlebars and a new rear sub-frame designed to accept the user-friendly passenger grab-rail kit available as a Ducati Performance accessory. The Monster 696 presents the two new colour schemes of "dark stealth" and "stone white", perfectly complementing the new matte chrome handlebar finish. The Monster 796, which was launched in April 2010 as an early entry model year 2011, also adopts Marzocchi front suspension and continues its incredible success. Along with the Monster 1100, the 696 and 796 complete the 2011 range, confirming the family's status as a style and design icon, backed-up by 17 years of Ducati Monster heritage.